How challenging are the spelling lists & dictation in Bigger

[graceonly]

Does someone have a sample spelling lists or dictation from Bigger & Preparing ?

Still trying to figure out the right placement for my 8yo . He reads at about 7-8 gr. level and spells at about 4-5th .Are the dictation and spelling list challenging enough for him ? If not should we still use Bigger ( We really need to study American) and ignore the LA portion ?

[pjdobro]

I have my Bigger guide here beside me so I'll give you a sample. Here is a sample list from unit 20:

train
brain
gain
stain
chain
sprain
paint
snail
drink
think

I think these are the same as the second list in Beyond. Here is the sample dictation number 70:

See the black clouds in the west. The rain is near. Let us run. dear fear hear rear year

You would either choose to study the spelling list or do the dictation not both. It sounds like he would definitely be beyond the spelling list. The dictation might be a bit simple for him as well. If he hasn't done dictation before though it might challenge him. There is more to the language arts portion of Bigger than just the spelling or dictation. There is also handwriting and grammar scheduled everyday. I hope that helps give you an idea of what to expect. We'll be doing Bigger starting in the fall and I'm looking forward to trying out the dictation. We haven't ever done it before and I think it will definitely challenge my ds and though the spelling part of the dictation might not be as challenging for my dd, who I think is at about the same level as you ds, I think she'll still be challenged by it because of the grammar and having to listen and write it all down correctly. I hope that helps. I look forward to journeying through Bigger with you in the future